Relive the incredible drama of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured his maiden F1 world championship by controversially passing Lewis Hamilton on the final lap. This winner-takes-all race saw a late Safety Car intervention lead to a hotly debated unlapping decision, setting up a breathtaking last-lap showdown that forever changed the course of Formula 1 history.
Ferrari attributes its disastrous Qatar Grand Prix, where both cars struggled to score points, to set-up complications caused by unusually high tire pressures mandated by Pirelli. While a lack of development was a factor, team principal Fred Vasseur believes the extreme tire conditions uniquely impacted their sensitive SF-25, highlighting a crucial area for improvement.
Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, has joined McLaren as a reserve driver. The young Italian achieved an exceptional feat, securing back-to-back titles in F3 and F2 on his first attempt, a rare accomplishment shared with F1 talents Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto. While an F1 race seat for next season remains open, his role with McLaren positions him within a top team, offering invaluable experience and a clear path towards an F1 debut in 2026, solidifying his status as a promising future star.
Kimi Antonelli faced severe online abuse, including death threats, after a racing incident at Lusail sparked unfounded claims he intentionally let Lando Norris pass. The F1 community, including Mercedes, Red Bull, and the FIA, has rallied behind the 19-year-old, condemning the vitriol and clarifying that Antonelli's loss of position was due to a driving error, not malicious intent. This highlights the urgent need to address online harassment in motorsport.
Lewis Hamilton and Liam Lawson have heavily criticized the Qatar Grand Prix's restrictive 25-lap tire limit, which, compounded by an early safety car, forced most drivers into an identical two-stop strategy. Hamilton called it one of the "worst" races for strategic flexibility, while Lawson described it as "pretty pointless," highlighting how regulations can inadvertently diminish competitive racing.
Kimi Antonelli has faced severe online abuse, with Mercedes reporting 'death threats' to the FIA after his Qatar Grand Prix mistake. Simultaneously, Red Bull is finalizing its 2026 F1 driver lineup, reportedly promoting Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen, signaling a major strategic shift. These events highlight critical issues of online safety and long-term team planning within Formula 1.
Liam Lawson attributed his suboptimal Qatar Grand Prix performance to qualifying damage, which he believes prevented a stronger finish despite recovering to score two points for Racing Bulls. With driver announcements for 2026 looming, Lawson's future is a key topic, though sources suggest he's likely to stay with Racing Bulls.
McLaren faces a high-stakes dilemma in Abu Dhabi: securing Lando Norris the F1 title through a team order that could also trigger a major backlash. Following strategic missteps and rising tensions, the team's decision will determine not only the championship but also Norris's legacy, promising a dramatic season finale.
Formula 1 is bracing for a monumental shift in 2026 with new chassis and engine regulations. Red Bull and Racing Bulls will unveil their liveries on January 15 in Detroit with Ford, while Aston Martin has confirmed a full car launch for their Adrian Newey-designed, Honda-powered AMR26 on February 9, following initial private testing in Barcelona. This marks the beginning of a crucial period for teams to showcase their readiness for the sport's biggest-ever reset.
Aston Martin has confirmed its 2026 F1 car, the AMR26, will launch on February 9, 2026. This pivotal season will see the team partner with Honda for power units and debut an Adrian Newey-designed car, aiming to leverage new regulations for a stronger championship challenge. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll remain as drivers, with Jak Crawford stepping in as reserve. The launch is strategically timed between private and official pre-season tests.
Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, confirmed that their struggles at the Qatar Grand Prix, which marked their worst F1 performance of the year, were primarily due to failing to adapt to the mandated high tire pressures. This issue left their cars unstable, exacerbating setup challenges and hindering both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton's ability to compete. The team's poor performance led to a significant drop in the Constructors' Championship standings.
Valtteri Bottas hilariously responded to Red Bull's team radio mistake during the Qatar Grand Prix, where his name was called out by error. This moment highlights his enduring presence in F1 as he prepares for a significant career move, set to join the Cadillac team in 2026. Bottas brings 13 years of experience and a strong track record to the new American outfit.
